May 2023 Chemo Starters

 Zedd11 , this is the May Chemotherapy thread 

Thanks PDarlo x

Hello Zedd, I’m not one for social media either, but like you thought it would be useful to reach out. We can support each other through this difficult time. I start chemo on Thursday. X

Hi BecA - good to hear from you. I'm new on here today and it seems so supportive and helpful reading peoples messages.

My first (EC) chemo has not been too bad. Very nauseous on the first night (Thursday) but am managing with regular eating even when I don't feel like it.

I'm injecting myself for 7 days and that's not too bad either - I just take a deep breath and push it in as I breathe out. 

Like others I'm determined to walk every day - totally exhausted today but am going for a little one once it's cooler (I'm rubbish in the heat at the best of times!). 

Reading the thread - I also had to have a large tooth out two weeks ago which was pretty horrendous (and cost 300 quid!). I also had my coil removed day before chemo so have just had my first period in 12 years - talk about adding insult to injury!!

I've chosen not to try the cold cap so will let you know how the hair loss progresses.

Well, that's me - it's good to be part of your group and I look forward to sharing the rollercoaster with you x

Hi just wanted to say I’ll be thinking of you both PDarlo and BecA starting your chemo this week. Big hugs xx

Hi Zedd, welcome to the group, I hope you’re ok.  I started EC on Wednesday. I was doing ok but it’s finally hit me today, apparently day 5 can be a thing. I hope you start to feel better soon. Sorry I’m not much help. Big hugs xx

Sorry to hear it’s caught up with you Cazza25 . My BCN warned me days 4-7 can be potentially the worst days. So many factors influence the reaction by the sounds of it. 

Take care and hopefully you feeling better soon x

Thanks for your thoughts x

Hey Cazza - hopefully you'll feel a bit better by tomorrow and no, it's good to share so we can all be prepared. 

All the best to BecA and PDarlo xx

Hi Cazza, I’m ok going to my 4th round of radiotherapy tomorrow. Glad you are feeling better and the nausea has improved. I used to like have the dexamethosone as it would give me a steroid high for a few days. It is horrid when you feel nauseous. I still take the odd anti sickness med as I’m on Phesgo now and that sometimes makes me feel sick. 
Hugs from cuffcake x x x x x

Morning Trimbos - No you are not rambling on.  You are voicing very real concerns, and my heart goes out to you.  If I could give you a real hug I would, butsadly it has to be avirtual one.  I think everyone of us here feels to a greater or lesser extent what you re going through. And, yes, the not knowing isthe worst. However, for me and I suspect for  others, the only way I can deal with it ,is to put on my big girls pants, stick my one tit out , put on a poker face (along with make up and lipstick) and face it, because whatever it is,it  won't go away andthere is no use pretending it will.  You wouldbe quite odd if you didn't feel the way you do.  If there is just one 'real' person who you can share this awful journey we are all on,then do, Take down the mask, cry, scream or do whatever makes you feel better.  It really isn't healthly any other way.  For me being brave for somebody else wasn't and isn't an option.  I have to be brave for myself.  You know when you go on a plane and the safety instructions tell you to put on your oxygen mask first, because if you don't you can't survive - or help anyone else.  Think of it that way.  At my worst state of fearfulness my mantra is 'I will not die today and I am safe at home'.  That mantra helps me a lot and actually calms me down.  No-one has acrystal ball to see into tomorrow, let alone 3,6 9 months down the line.  Enjoy the day if its a good day, and if it isn't a good day, do whatever it takes to make it better - eat chocolate, drink wine or behave very badly - whatever helps YOU.  You are not alone, and Trimbos - you got this.  Much love  B xx

Hi BecA - The turban tying for me is coming on well.  I am trying to find some large earrings tht will co-ordiate with them, which sould rather vain I know, but I want to rock the Carman Miranda look (if you are under 50 you will have to google her).  I am waiting for the tsunami of side effects to kick in, but as I have only had one round of chemo this may be a couple of weeks away, but I will enjoy today, the sun is shining and the garden is calling - or maybe the telly!!  Whatever you are up to enjoy.  With love B xx