Chemotherapy fears post cancerous cyst removal

Hi Heather, 

i found chemo doable, the chemo unit are brilliant , they

put you at ease and explain everything, they have a solution to any problems  you may have.  I found i was rough for about 7-10 days, after , like the hangover from hell with lead weights on my body.  Pace yourself and don’t try to do too much.  Get some lactose cos you may get constipated, I also get cystitis so drink plenty of water.  I have had 7 chemos so far and have 1 left on 4 November, had surgery after 6 chemos, so they decided to do these 2 post surgery mop ups just in case.  Hopefully that will lead to just 3 monthly check ups for me .  There are quite a few of us who have had chemo recently during lockdown so I am sure they will offer advice as well ! Please don’t worry , we are all here to offer advice and support each other!  Good luck and keep us posted 

take care

love and virtual  

xx

Hi Janet,

Thank you so much for your reply. I really appreciate the support and the advice. I will take it all on board.

The virtual hug is really welcome too!

Heather xx

Hi Heather, chemo was fine for me. Had 5 sessions last year, was a bit more tired & a bit squeamish for a couple of days & got lots of mouth ulcers but that was as bad as it got. Just finished another 6 sessions & although different combination of chemo, Had similar symptoms. 2 years since my surgery, Had full hysterectomy, large bowel, spleen, gall bladder & omental cake removed. Had to have a stoma fitted. Was in hospital in April this year as had fluid in my lung, blockage in my small intestine & developed sepsis but I came through that ok. So don't be frightened, you will get through it too & I found that chemo nurses were so lovely, supportive & you can ask them about stuff you're not sure of.  There's always someone on the end of the phone if you're worried about anything too. Take care,  be kind to yourself & be positive, you'll get there, hope it goes well for you

Susan xx

Hi Susan,

Thanks so much for replying and for all your advice and support. I’m so glad that after such an ordeal you are doing so well. I think you’re amazing!
Wishing you all the very best,

Heather xx

Hi Janet,

I have just read your profile and wanted to say how brilliant I think you are. Thank you again for sharing your experiences here.

Heather xx

All the best to you too, take care xx

Hi..I finished this chemo in march 19 the worse side effect I had was lower leg pain and fatigue a few days after each session. No sickness. If you suffer the leg pain (peripheral neuropathy) and it is very bad they may reduce one of the drugs as it can result in damage to the nerve endings resulting in numb toes and finger tips. Some women only experience this mildly. Good luck with your treatment

Hi Heather

Aw - thank you so much for your kind words.  Back in January/February when I was being tested and diagnosed, the though of getting to this point was so daunting but you do what you have to do, I have had brilliant support from my friends and family, as much as they could during lockdown!  The NHS have been brilliant here in Essex, so I have them to thank for getting me through.  I have one more chemo left next week, then a CT scan, so keeping everything crossed all will be ok.  

Take care and good luck with your treatment, remember we are always here to help.

Off to do boring housework now! dust and cat fluff never seems to end!

Love and virtual hugs.

xxx

It is a good idea to make yourself a monthly planner and make a note of what problems you get on what day after chem and grade them 1-5 in severity. You will find the same ones come up each time after chemo on the same day. For example I always had severe leg pain the 4th day after chemo so I was prepared. I chose to note pain, constipation , any nausea etc. See what you get after your first chemo. 

And talking of constipation- many ladies because they know it will happen do to not drinking enough (please make sure you drink loads to flush your system out) they take appropriate action 2-3 days before chemo. 

For the constipation you should take either lactulose and/or Docusate sodium. These are to make the stools soft and are not purging ones like senna and so be used as long as you need to. Available on prescription or you can buy. 

Good to take reading stuff in with you as it takes a long while and food/nibbles as hospital sandwiches are not always the best     

Drs differ in advice re any over the counter meds you might be taking. Check with them if you do take any. 

If not using a cold cap you will lose your hair (all of it !) from about day 14 after chemo depending whether you are on a weekly or 3 weekly cycle. 

It might affect your nails and make them go dark or black (some people lose their nails). You can partially protect from this by wearing dark coloured nail polish on hands and toenails. Some ladies get very dry skin (I didn’t). So pamper yourself a bit. Other forum ladies especially recommend Udderly cream ( can buy off internet). 

I would recommend you get a head covering for when/if you lose your hair as can be cold at night. I had some bamboo material turbans- very soft and warm. Plenty of stuff on the internet if you google chemo headgear or similar. I always chose to wear a wig when I lost my hair others just had scarves or turbans. The NHS will pay for one wig if that is the way you want to go. Get one sooner than later in case they have to order the one you want. I also bought another one myself so I had a choice and could wash one and wear one. Don’t forget anything you buy like that is VAT free providing you complete the declaration. 

I ramble on!  

Any symptoms you get will usually increase exponentially after treatment number 4. Be prepared. 

Finally I always treated myself after each treatment because as they say “you’re worth it “ and it is a shitty disease. Don’t hold back on the treats

Best of luck

Fay