I am due to begin paclitaxel as a weekly treatment in January. I'd like to know how best to prepare myself physically over the next 5 weeks. My weight is bordering normal to underweight and I find it hard to put on weight. I'm an active mum of three young children. If I'm sick on the chemo I'm figuring I'm going to lose weight so should I try to build up now? Will I remain able to do the school run sometimes, will I be active at least some of the time. I think I'm going on a weekly cycle as I was very ill on a previous chemo. I'd really appreciate others perspectives on what to expect
Hi Moonkeogh I am sorry to hear that you will be starting chemo soon, having small children to look after as well, I can understand your concerns. If you are unwell on the chemo, and do lose weight, there are high calorie drinks you can have from your GP which may help.
Everyone is different on chemo so is difficult to say how you will be. It is quite usual though to have a couple of days of feeling unwell, followed by days of feeling better. I hope you will have some help at home with the children whilst you go through your treatment? x
Hi Moonkeogh I am not on chemo myself, but the treatment I am on I will also be on for the rest of my life. The side effects of my treatment includes severe migraines which put me in bed for days on end, mobility issues, dry itchy skin, fatigue and weight gain. In a way it is not my cancer that effects my life, but the medication I am on to control the sarcoma. Without these meds my tumours will grow, so I have adjusted to my new way of living.
Can I suggest you also join the living-with-incurable-cancer-forum. It really is a very supportive group for people like us who are incurable but treatable, and there are people there that are on long term chemotherapy. You can join in the same way you have here in the lung group, and start a post, you could even copy the post you have here and see if anyone there is on paclitaxel. I am also in the group, so will be sure to welcome you. xx
