January 2023 Chemo Starters

I tapered my steroids right down so just taking the last of those. I didn’t want a huge crash. I’ve stopped anti sickness now. Haven’t pooped for days even though I’ve taken a ton of laxatives. 

My next chemo is 3rd of Feb, is yours the same date? I’m going remember the holding frozen grapes in mouth trick to try and reduce the affects to my mouth. I forgot to use them the first time round. x

The Docetaxel does sound rough. I’m not looking forward to it. I hope you soon feel better Sale Bee. I’m using a lot of moisturising mouthwashes to try and protect my gums and mouth. Also I’ve found this mouthwash helpful too Curaprox PerioPlus+ Regenerate Mouthwash. I got it from Amazon. xx

• I just took all the pills they gave me lol, im just taking the last of my antisickness today i think. Yes mine is same date as yours my bcn did recommend some frozen pineapple which i did. Although its difficult trying to keep them frozen on way to hospital but they seemed to be cold enough. Xx

Hi Miss Tangled, glad you managed to find a solution with your meds. I like the sound of the cordials. I just have plain water and some fruit juices in between but it would be nice to have a change so I will give those a try
Hope all is good with you today 

Hugs from cuffcake x x x x x

Hi Lorraine058, sorry you are feeling rough. I find that from day 6 things get better and I start to feel like my normal self. I too suffer with sore to touch symptom mainly from the waist up and I find my op site also more uncomfortable too. I don’t get the headaches and sore throat, maybe it’s worth having a chat with your helpline just to check ? Sleep to I struggle with at times, it is usually broken sleep. I try to rest during the day a bit and do sometimes fall asleep for a couple of hours and catch up a bit. Today was my last EC before I start Docetaxel not looking forward to that one. 
Hope it passes soon.

Hugs from cuffcake x x x x x

Hi Miss Tangled, I too found my first cycle a bit scary with side effects and I have to admit I did call the helpline 3 times to check that my symptoms or what I was feeling was normal. Luckily it was so I knew for my other 3 cycles what to expect. I do keep a diary so I make a note of any side effects and this help me plan for the next cycle. I did get sore hands and found it easier using luke warm water and Aveeno moisturiser afterwards help. I didn’t have problems with gripping. Perhaps it’s worth having a chat with the helpline just to put your mind at rest. I found them really helpful and very reassuring. 
Gaviscon is my friend when I get heartburn/indigestion which I have had a couple of bouts of. 

Wishing you all the best and hope the side effects pass quickly for you.

Hugs from cuffcake x x x x x

Hi Sale Bee, the side effects you mentioned is that what you are experiencing with Docetaxel ? 
I’ve just had my last EC today but did get a mouth ulcer at the end of last week. Luckily it has cleared up more now, I used bonjela and warm salt rinses but I have been given a mouthwash now I can use too to help. 
Hope you start to feel more like yourself soon.

Hugs from cuffcake x x x x x

Hi addabitofsparkle, just wanted to wish you luck for your first session tomorrow and hoping you’ll manage to get some sleep tonight.

It’ll be my 2nd go tomorrow at 8am - didn’t sleep at all well last night and have a sore throat - not sure if it’s a cold coming, side effects or both…Hoping a warm bath before bed tonight with lavender oils will help me nod off tonight. 

xx

Hi everyone x sorry to hear some of us are struggling. The last day or 2 I’ve been absolutely wiped of all energy & feel like I’m passing out when I lie down. Don’t feel as if I’m getting into a proper deep sleep at night so I guess that’s not helping. Todays been the toughest, stomach cramps have me doubled over & the diarrhoea has started…..but it’s not constant & comes & goes so thankful for that small win. 

I’ve not had an ulcers yet but I’ve been rinsing twice a day with an alcohol free mouthwash (just a boots own brand one) as recommended by my bcn. 

What other wee recommendations has everyone been given? Seems like we are all given different tidbits & could help each other. The nurse who was sorting my cold cap recommended a satin bonnet/pillow case to ease the friction on my hair. Also recommended a paraben free shampoo like Simple. 

Hi Ladies, wishing you all good healing vibes to get past the difficult symptoms you are all having. 

I start my chemo tomorrow Wed 18th. 12 weekly doses of Paclitaxel and 3 weekly injections of Trastuzumab. Is anyone else on this regime in this group?
I feel totally unprepared for tomorrow.

We’ve had a horrendous few days as my 89 year old dad just had to have urgent life saving abdominal surgery 48 hours ago and I had to leave him at Frimley Park Hospital this afternoon to come back to Kingston upon Thames to get my blood test done at 4:30pm ready for chemo starting at 10 am tomorrow. 

My brother is able to come and sit with me tomorrow thank God! But I’m just hanging on by a thread and my emotions have been all over the shop for that past couple of days, so much so I’ve barely had chance to think of my Chemo. 

I hated having to leave my dad this afternoon, but I know he’s getting excellent care and has done amazingly well getting through his operation which we didn’t know if he’d survive on Sunday night. All the nurses know I was leaving for chemo and have been so kind.

 Big sigh…