First FLOT tomorrow

Hi, the first lot is not to bad but as it builds up in your body by the fourth week I’ve never felt so ill in my life. My hair started to fall out after the second lot so I got my husband to shave my head as I couldn’t bear the clumps of hair I was finding. I also suffered from oral thrush, apparently a quite common side effect, my gp was helpful with this. My lips were extremely dry so a good lip balm was essential, saliva seemed to disappear so sucking ice cubes and chewing gum helped. I found most of what I ate tasted like cardboard but try to have things you like. The chemo made me feel very tired and weak but I made sure I got up showered and dressed every day even though it was a huge effort to do so, it kept some normality in my life. Even though it’s dreadful to go through, it had done its job and had shrunk the tumor ready for surgery so please keep this in mind. 

I'd have loved to suck on an ice cube but like most people the neuropathy would have made that impossible!! 

I can relate to all of the side effects you mention apart from the oral thrush. I used to eat a lot of juicy fruits like pineapple, nectarines, etc to get some moisture into my mouth. Like you mention, even simple tasks like having a shower, getting dressed, etc used to exhaust me to the extent that I had to go for a lie down afterwards! I really don’t miss those chemo days… CB

Thank you all for the tips all ok at the moment but I know that’s not going to last ! Just here salivating bringing up loads of foam and froth and the thought of eating fruit sounds heavenly x 

Did you not get any neuropathy CB? My biggest issues were total lack of appetite and taste and then neuropathy in my feet and hands. Even now the sensation hasn't come back 100% yet 

Hi Bob,

Yes, I had neuropathy in my fingertips. Had gloves hanging up beside the fridge in case I needed to take anything out. Generally fine again about 10 days after each cycle and no lasting ill effects from it I’m happy to say

It's amazing what it can do. Rod's PICC line was into a vein, as is the line from his Port. Does the nutrition go into the bloodstream or along a separate line to the stomach?

With mine it goes into the jejunum and then into the small intestine ! 

Thank you. It is amazing what can be done.