I due to start on 9th, I think everyone will say we all react differently and hopefully they will prescribe us some medication to help with the feeling sick- I’m not normally a tablet taker, but I think I’m soon going to become one. You’re not being a wuss at all, speak to your chemotherapy nurse and explain and hopefully they will give you something to help
Hi Cuffcake, like you, I didn't lose all my hair (3x EC, 4x Docetaxel three-weekly) and was left with the Gollum look (you made me LOL with that!) I hated it and didn't let anyone see me without a hat/scarf/wig on except hubby. But I wanted to see when it started growing back, so I shaved it clean off and I really quite liked it and didn't mind going public. It's growing back slowly (final Docetaxel was mid-January) and I'm minded to keep it very very short going forward. Only problem is that it can be chilly, but so much easier than having to wash and style. Amy xx
Hi everyone, hope you don't mind me gatecrashing. I had chemo from Sep 22 to Jan 23, surgery in March, and waiting for radiotherapy. Just want to give back as I really appreciated all the support from these forums, and still do. So if I can be of help, I'll stick around.
I think the Filgrastim (daily for 5-7 days after chemo) or Pegfilgrastim (single shot) is standard to boost white blood cells and help prevent neutropenic sepsis. I had slight bone/joint pain with Filgrastim but OTC painkillers helped. Someone also told me that taking an antihistamine before the injection helps (Loratadine/Claritin). Might be worth a try but do check with your team first.
I wore black nail varnish while on Docetaxel. A couple of weeks after the last dose, I removed the varnish and noticed that my nails were thick and some were starting to lift off the nail bed. I read about Polybalm and wished I'd known about it before starting Docetaxel as it's been shown to help prevent nail damage. I got some and have been using it every day since. It's a really good nail moisturiser if nothing else. The damaged nails are growing out and I didn't lose any, thankfully. Polybalm is expensive but I dreaded the thought of losing my nails. I can't be sure whether the black varnish and Polybalm helped but for me they were worth a try. Look for water based nail varnish and acetone-free varnish remover. Keep hands and nails well moisturised and wear rubber gloves for cooking, cleaning, gardening, etc. (basically keep hands out of water and contact with cleaning products as much as possible).
Hi Trimbos, I hardly had any nausea/sickness while on EC and Docetaxel but everyone reacts differently. Hope you'll be ok. They give you a raft of meds to combat nausea, sickness, diarrhoea, constipation, allergic reactions, you name it! Amy x
@trimbos you are a warrior not a wuss. Take every medication they give you and rol with it. Injections as previously said are common either 1 24 hours after chemo or more days. Your nurse will come out with a bag of stuff. Take the laxative before you get any constipation and the anti sickness if you feel sick before you are actually sick. I've had 4 ec no problem but docetaxel has been awful. 2 cycles so far with 1 to go but both I've ended up at hospital. However everyone is different. Use a diary to note your symptoms watch your temperature and don't be afraid to use your red card if needed. When I went for introductory visit to chemo unit the sister said if you feel so rough you can't get up even if your temp is within normal range call red card. That happened to me last cycle and I ended up in hospital with neutropenia
Thanks Amy123 , it’s really useful getting support from people like yourself who have been through, what we are about to. Everyone’s support is much appreciated x
Thank you so much. I have just read your profile whilst sat waiting for surgery of the removal of my lymph nodes wondering what is ahead of me, and this is a huge help. Wishing you well on the road to your recovery x
Hi everyone, I had my first EC chemo yesterday. It went much better than I expected. I tried the cold cap which was manageable so I’m definitely going to carry on with that. The only symptoms I’ve had is feeling a bit spaced out with mild nausea. I’m guessing it will probably get worse over the next few doses, I have another EC in 3 weeks. The nurses and voluntary staff we’re just amazing! Big hugs Cazza25 xx
Glad it went as well as these things can. Take your anti nausea before you are actually sick. And my first ec I felt like i had a hangover for 2 3 days afterwards.
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