Chemo tips

Hi I will also be starting chemotherapy just before Christmas and would like to know also like you how it will impact, I guess everyone is unique and experience it differently. 

Hi Lady Babsc990b6 

Sorry to hear you will be starting chemo. I was diagnosed in June and knew from the beginning I needed chemo following surgery, so I felt quite anxious during the summer waiting for it to proceed. I started 15th September.  

My chemo is 3 x EC and 3 x Docetaxel (all 6 are 3 weeks apart).  Do you know what your regime will look like yet?

I have had 4 infusions now and my 5th is 8th December and last is 29th December.  I have still socialised but I have avoided anyone with a cold/cough/bug etc.  I have a 10 year old daughter who is going out to school each day so I cannot completely avoid bugs - but so far she hasn't brought anything home. 

Just be sensible and get your flu and covid jabs if you haven't already. 

I used polybalm on my nails a few weeks before and during chemo and I have had no issues yet - but I think that could change as I have only had 1 of 3 Docetaxel so far. 

Drink PLENTY of water - get your body hydrated now - this will flush the drugs out and you will feel better.  Also try and up your protein - I was eating 100g of protein a day and I had lots of energy on EC. 

I have a PICC line as EC can be harsh on your veins. I am going to have it removed after my 5th chemo though as I have been getting blisters and sore skin around the edges of the dressing and my arm is a mess - it's not worth it anymore and I just want a proper bath!!. I am just going to have the last one in my hand. Lot's of people have it through their hands and are fine. 

I cold capped and still have 50% of my hair and only one baldish patch on top of my head so far...

I would say EC was ok apart from feeling sick during the infusions and 24 hours after (I was never actually sick - I took the meds as preventative)  - but Docetaxel is hard - I had severe aches and pains for about 4 days and painkillers didn't do much so I am going to ask for some stronger pain killers. 

Let me know if you have any other questions. 

Try not to overthink too much (like I did) as it might not be as bad as you think. 

Good luck. xx

Hi, I blogged throughout snd this one has the things I wish I'd known about chemo. Best wishes 

Chemo blog link