Is it okay to drink alcohol after chemotherapy treatment is finished, or should I avoid it for good?

Hi,

I have stage four ovarian cancer, following a full hysterectomy and chemo I now have the odd glass of wine and g n t. As my oncologist said, no good keeping you alive if you can’t have a life. Enjoy and good luck to you. X

Hi, Well done for completing your chemo, I'm sure you deserve more than a glass of wine! I'm about to start my chemo for 1c2 ovarian cancer. I'm having paclitaxol and carboplatin. I'm dreading it. Any advice on how to get through it would be very welcome x

Hi, I had the same chemo. We all react differently. Just make the most of the good times and listen to your body. Rest when you need to. I always  had good days at the same time so had a lunch booked with the ladies. Always rest when you can xx 

Hi - well done on completing chemo & surgery, I gave up alcohol when I was diagnosed stage four ovarian just under a year ago and now miraculously in remission (post chemo & surgery like you) my oncologist said I can enjoy a glass of wine which felt good - we’re all different so speak to your oncologist and I’m sure you’ll make the best choice for you. Sadly for me, I don’t think I could stop at one!!! Which is why, for now, I’m holding off .. believe you me I still enjoy treats though, wishing you best of luck x

Hello! I had these two plus a third one bevacizumab, the nurses gave me pre meds too to alleviate any side effects. I was very fortunate to have a close friend sit with me whilst undergoing the treatment for which I was very grateful, other patients were also very supportive - some days I felt sleepy others I was chatty and sometimes I just didn’t feel great but the nurses were brilliant and will keep an eye on you  - have you been to the chemo department where you are having treatment? This may help you prepare mentally & emotionally too if it’s available to you. I always took a book, headphones, phone plenty of water .. to distract me too! For me I had my schedule of chemo appointments and crossed them off feeling a sense of achievement and there is also plenty of professional support from nurses & therapists should you need it. Be kind to yourself, your body is going through alot, some days the fatigue hits, others I was fine - sending much positivity to you!! Take care xx 

Thank you Ritab and good luck to you. x

I only had carboplatin and only four cycles, because I flat out refused to have more. I wasn't going to have any chemotherapy at all; the doctor had to persuade me.

It hasn't been as bad as I feared. First off, don't let fear rule you. Try to inform yourself about these drugs and possible side effects, so that you are prepared if you experience any. I always think that it's better to know than not.

If you do have any worries or experience anything, don't hesitate to call the specialist nurse or 24 hr advice line, if there is one. They are the kindest people you will ever meet and want to help.

Make sure that you have someone trusted to talk to about it, family, friends, a counsellor, someone at the cancer treatment centre. You will need emotional support.

Be very gentle with yourself after each session.  You're going to feel very tired, so prepare some meals and put them in the freezer beforehand. Eat fruit and vegetables, fish, chicken and some lean red meat. You probably won't feel like large meals anyway, but you do need to still eat, even if you lose your appetite. Small meals, rather than a large plate.

Make sure that you get plenty of rest, gentle exercise like walking in fresh air, drink lots of water and herbal tea. No alcohol whatsoever. It works against the chemotherapy. 

Don't try to do too much following each session, housework etc.

This is very important. Give yourself things to look forward to, big or small., throughout the treatment cycles and at the end of it.  A day out with friends, a concert, a visit to a place you've always wanted to go, a massage, get your nails done, read a favourite book, whatever you enjoy.

Lastly, remember that nothing lasts forever, except the love of our Lord and Saviour.

May God bless you. You will get through this. xx

Thank you, Gem. I am also debating whether to go teetotal or not. Like you, in the past I had trouble stopping at one or two. However, I have had such a scare that I don't think that will be a problem for me. I hardly go out anyway! :)

Hi AnnieP269 - yes my diagnosis did scare the hell out of me too so cutting out alcohol was easy when you are faced with such a shock & disbelief - I do feel better without it (I’m still on targeted treatment so my bodies got plenty of toxicity to be dealing with) and if I do go out I enjoy sniffing wine if a friend is enjoying a glass (I do realise how weird that may sound! ) but as yet not tempted fortunately.