Portacath and first round of chemo

Sorry for late reply I’m still working at the moment and have been crazy busy with work, cancer pre appointments and kids etc. 

I just replied to your first post I don’t have any drugs yet but I’m definitely going to check what they give me against your list as it sounds like an awful experience. So sorry you had to go through that and so glad they’ve sorted it now.

glad that building is going down on the portacath I’m having mine on Monday. X

Building was meant to say swelling.  Seriously bad auto correct. Actually made myself laugh there. What a saddo. X

Re taking time off work, my employer says I don’t need to include appointments and operations in the sick time I log - just sick days. I’m so aware of not being able to afford to be on half pay if I use all my 6 months full sick pay (feel v lucky to have that now as I was freelance for 17 yrs, can’t imagine that stress for anyone). 
Maybe take it as it comes re the first chemo bout ref taking sick time - see how you are. I’ve not been able to work at all since my first chemo - what with awful side effects on Ondansetron then the portacath op then 2nd chemo 2 days later - too much to cope with.

All the portacath info was saying you’d be fine in 48 hours…. Absolutely wrong! 10 days on I’m very bruised and uncomfortable, can’t use my right arm/side in any normal way - absolutely couldn’t think of driving. It’s really set me back. It was deffo better for chemo, but it’s not a quick recovery and it’s tight and uncomfortable (I was expecting it’d heal and I wouldn’t know it’s there).

I’m now a week on from my second chemo. I can see my pattern of it emerging now. Make sure you get Akynzeo (not Ondansetron) for antisickness - prevented horrendous constipation I had on first round. My chemo also includes Herceptin. Everyone’s experience is different, mine has been: Day 1-5, can eat and drink normally (on Akynzeo). I feel a bit ‘strange’ and tired, but not too bad. Day 6-9: feels like it obliterates my gut function as it’s working it’s way out… abdominal pain uncomfortable visits to the loo day and night, start to lose my appetite and taste. Very tired, need to sleep. Feel weak and empty. Just had to explain to my 15 yr old that my tummy hurts, I’m okay, but can’t do usual things, so she’s helping load dishwasher and simple chores. She’s okay - we’ve discussed that it’s going to be a long winter and I’ll not be feeling great for a week or so after each chemo. On the third week of the first one I was much more my normal self in every way. 

Try not to worry ahead as you just don’t know how you’ll feel, but get a good support group of friends around you, get an online shopping order in place. Take care xx

Yes. I was told no pools!

I want to do some yoga, but portacath far too sore and tight : (

You might find this useful. Chemo has wrecked my skin. A friend sent me this link, so I’ve bought some of the chemo-friendly Cera-Ve and La Roche-Posay products - they’ve really helped my skin: www.vogue.co.uk/.../skincare-sunday-cancer-treatment

weirdly my momkeeps telling me my skin looks good. i must say it cleared up my psoriasis on my elbow, of course, as its fast turn over cells, wonder what it will be like post 

for my face i switch/use vitamin c cream, hyaluronic acid, and a cerav sunscreen, but i also have some jojoba oil i use because i went for a massage early on and was very impressed how nice my arms looked after. i also put it on my head, because they say if is close to natural skin oils. 

and i drink water/ juice all day, the solution to pollution is dilution they say 

Thank you! The Jojoba oil sounds great!

I saw Amy Dowden raving about this Sarah London Hero Facial Oil too https://bysarahlondon.com/products/organic-facial-oil

their products look amazing - developed by a sister for her sister undergoing chemo x

Ooh nice I’ll take a look at those thank you x

Solution to pollution is dilution. Love it, I’m stealing that.