A lot of people are very nervous the first time, but all the nurses and staff on the chemo units I’ve heard of are lovely, and I’m sure they will help you through it. There’s a number of threads on tips of what to take to help make the time go quicker and be more comfortable. I’d try not to worry too much about feeling poorly after, it’s easy to get very scared from that huge list of side effects they have to give you, but many people do get through feeling ok. After the first cycle or two you’ll have a much better idea of how you’ll be feeling at various days, and then you can relax and enjoy the good days.
Are you particularly nervous about or have questions about the cold cap? I’ve been using it and am almost at the other end of my chemo treatment, so happy to answer any questions. But just remember you’re only doing cold capping because you want to, if it gets too uncomfortable or time consuming you can stop that part at any time.
thank you for your advice which is so helpful. i am nervous about how I will feel after and you are right the nurses are wonderful. i went for my bloods last Friday before i start chemo on Thursday and they were so helpful. cold cap as you say is something i can choose just worried again... about how uncomfortable but will only do if manageable -
Right after, you’ll probably feel fine. A little tired, but they will give you lots of anti sickness drugs with the chemo so you shouldn’t be feeling nauseous, if you are definitely tell the nurses. It would be better to have someone to drive you home from the first one if possible as you don’t quite know how you will react, but I’ve been driving myself most of the time. I’ve been really quite hungry that first night, probably a reaction to the steroids! Then in general people have a bit of a crap week, a better week and a good week before the cycle starts again, after the first you’ll get an idea of which days are worse. Do take the drugs they give you to take home, it’s much easier to keep nausea away than to treat it after it gets bad. And don’t suffer in silence if you have side effects, there are lots of treatments for constipation/ diarrhoea / pain / insomnia if you do get those.
For the cold cap, I don’t find it too bad at all, uncomfortably cold for the first 15 mins but not painful at all, and then it settles down. I would recommend taking a headband with you (something like this https://www.superdrug.com/Hair/Hair-Accessories/Scrunchies-%26-Elastics/Superdrug-Black-Stretch-Headband/p/762699 ), if the edge of the cap is uncomfortable on your forehead you put the band under the cap and it will help a lot. And definitely take a warm cardi or blanket as it does make you cold.
aww rungirlrun, great advice, and thank you so much. I'll pack my head band, blanket, and cardi. I've had steroids today can't sit still. I'll post tomorrow after the first visit - this forum is amazingly helpful
