1st chemotherapy

Hi Bradlou

It's not that easy to say unfortunately as the side effects seem to be different for us all.  I had 5 cycles of Cisplatin and my main side effect was tiredness.  It didn't kick in properly till after the second session but I don't think I could have personally coped with public transport.  However I've heard several people in this group say they have used it with no problem.

It's not available everywhere but some areas do offer free hospital transport for cancer patients.  I have also heard of some charities offering subsidised or free transport, so it's well worth looking into that option if you haven't already.  I used the hospital transport, my Macmillan nurse at the hospital sorted it all out for me. 

Best wishes for Monday.  Let us all know how you get on. xx

Hi Bradlou , when I had chemo done I had someone take me in then come back later to pick me up , some hospitals will allow you to stay overnight if its a late session which mine was but I opted to be picked up . I think some might insist you are with someone before they allow you home . So good luck in how you decide to get there and back although as the previous post said some hospitals can arrange transport . Take care and all the best with your course of treatment. 

                                                                                     Chris 

Hello 

I've had my first chemo and I found it to be really bad. I was constantly nauseous especially when I moved and it didn't help having to go to the hospital every day for the radiotherapy. I couldn't drink so became dehydrated and had to go on a drip which I retched the whole way through. It was around 6 days later that the actual sickness started but I did start to feel better on day 10. I am absolutely dreading my next chemo to the point that I really don't want it. None of the anti sickness meds seemed to work.

There's no way I could have got public transport to and from the hospital each day for the radiotherapy. 

Sorry to give you such a bad answer and I hope your experience is different to mine 

Lilliesunshine -that sounds like an awful experience, not surprised you’re dreading next chemo. Like you I was very nauseous from day 4 and then sick and unable to move or eat from day 5 to 7. Lost half a stone (no Peg) and was totally exhausted and stressed. Nothing I took made a difference to the nausea. Oncologist said I should have been admitted for an anti-sickness drip - but the emergency helpline at my hospital never offered that. Here’s the good bit - 2nd and 3rd chemos were FINE. I was given a different steroid (Dex instead of prednisone) and NO NAUSEA. I shook a lot for several days and was wobbly too, but no sickness. You need to discuss your terrible sickness with the Oncologist. They will do something to make sure you are not sick next time. Hope it goes well. (PS - I put all the weight back on and overall gained 1/2 stone over the 7 weeks - there’s always hope)

Hilary

Hi Hilary

My nausea began at 2am the morning after the chemo. The anti sickness drip didn't work I retched all through it and even the nurse said it wasn't working but I was just sent home. I feel that a box was ticked!

The steroid I was given was Dexsol. Hopefully chemo number 2 won't be as bad or at least it won't be such a shock if it is